Cities in West Virginia

Selecting the right trainer can often be a frustrating process. Dog training is an unregulated industry, so anyone can print up business cards and market themselves as a dog trainer, behaviorist, or "psychologist," no experience or education required. Check all references and certification/educational background before deciding. For more information, scroll below.

It's important to have your dog vaccinated at proper intervals and ages. Leptospirosis vaccines especially causes lots of controversy. Lepto can spread to people and it is becoming more prevalent, so many vets are now recommending giving it with initial puppy vaccines and boostering every year. Check below for more on vaccinating your pet and for other pet care related information.

Before making any decisions, it should be know that adopting a dog does involve a financial commitment. Puppy adoption in particular can be costly; within the first year you'll have to budget for spaying/neutering and the necessary vaccinations. Carefully consider the costs of food, veterinary care, pet toys and beds, grooming and even boarding at a kennel if you go on vacation every year. Check below for more information.

How do you decide if you have the space and time to be a foster parent to a dog? Fostering a dog is becoming a popular way of helping dogs in shelters prepare for a forever home and can be a rewarding experience, as practice for first-timers thinking of getting their own dog soon or for those who are dog lovers, but don't want the fulltime commitment. Check below for more.